Discover the geysers, thermal pools, mountains, lakes, canyons and other natural wonders that make Yellowstone National Park the treasure that it is. Set up base camp and explore Old Faithful, Dunraven Pass, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Paddle and fish Lewis Lake, known for its famous waterfalls and cutthroat trout. Hike to Norris Geyser Basin, thought to be the hottest basin in Yellowstone, and enjoy countless other sites that most tourists don't even know exist.
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
DAY 1: Your trip starts at Grant Village in Yellowstone National Park late in the afternoon. Help set up camp before supper. Afterwards, get to know your trip mates and share your expectations for the upcoming days while enjoying s'mores by the fire. You have several options for activities in Yellowstone National Park. Your trip leaders will share those options with you daily.
DAY 2: After a hearty camp breakfast, take off for a sightseeing tour of Yellowstone. Stop along the way to hike to Norris Geyser Basin and experience the beauty of Old Faithful.
DAY 3: Practice canoe skills at the west thumb of Yellowstone Lake and paddle along the western shore looking for moose and osprey. Paddle up to Geyser Basin for lunch. Return to Grant Village by dinner time.
DAY 4: After breakfast, head to Lewis Lake for a day of paddling. The group will have time to fish and explore the lake shores.
DAY 5: Travel to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and explore trails to the upper and lower falls. After lunch, hike into Dunraven Pass. Return to base camp at Grant Village by supper time.
DAY 6: Take one last hike this morning after breakfast, then pack up camp and eat lunch. The trip officially ends in the early afternoon after lunch. If you use WI's van transportation you will take a spectacular drive through the Beartooth Mountains on our way back to Billings, MT. There are opportunities to stop for souvenirs and at other points of interest along the way. You can expect to return to Billings in the evening.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Yellowstone National Park has a wide variety of flora, ranging from near-desert vegetation around the north entrance to sub-alpine meadows and forests on Mt. Washburn. Lodge pole pines cover 60% of the park. The shores of Yellowstone Lake are heavily forested, with wide campsites that are accommodating and accessible. Burn areas from the 1988 fire are distinguished by new growth and a variety of wildflowers. Yellowstone National Park offers a wide range of route options from very easy to difficult.
TYPE OF TRAVEL: On paddling days you will travel in 24-foot cedar strip canoes, which hold 8-10 paddlers. They are safe and stable boats that are great for exploring the lakes in Yellowstone. On non-paddling days the group will travel from site to site in the WI van and participant cars.
WEATHER: Due to high elevations, temperatures in the summer months fluctuate from 25 F to 90 F. It is usually quite sunny and warm but be prepared for everything, including a rain shower or two.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This is a camping trip. At night, you will sleep in tents. Typically, there are 3 people per 4 person tent (other arrangements can be made). Bathroom facilities at the campground have flush toilets and running water. While paddling or hiking, bathroom facilities consist of a foldable commode chair or an outhouse. There will be an opportunity for a hot shower 1 or 2 times during the trip, however there is a fee.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 10 to 20 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary canoeing and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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